Statement on Final Recommendation for Ohio Exotic Pet Ban

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, issues the following statement in response to today’s announcement by Jim Zehringer:

“We are encouraged by the final recommendations from Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Zehringer to crack down on private ownership of dangerous exotic animals,” said Pacelle. “While there remain some open questions for the legislature to resolve, the recommendations make it clear that dangerous exotic animals have no business in private backyards and basements. What’s needed, in the law, are strong rules to ban auctions, to stop casual ownership, and to limit private possession of these animals to accredited zoos and sanctuaries. Ohio can quickly turn around from outlier to leader on the issue of private ownership of dangerous exotic wild animals.”

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.